Surgical overview of cleft palate

The management of cleft lip and palate is a complex evolving process that requires multidisciplinary collaboration and long-term follow-up. From the initial challenge of feeding to the intricacies of surgical repair and prosthetic rehabilitation each phase of care must be carefully coordinated. Advances in surgery and a deeper understanding of craniofacial development have improved outcomes significantly but individualized patient-centered care remains the cornerstone of successful cleft management. Health care providers must remain attentive to both the physical and emotional needs of the patient ensuring that treatment plans are holistic equitable and designed with the patient's overall well-being in mind.